Syllabus - Principles of Sociology 231-04 (Winter 2011) INST. - C.STARR Pg. 1 Principles of Sociology 231-04 Winter 2011 Professor: C. Starr Class Meets: Tuesday Evening, 01/11/2011-04/26/2011 Time: 6:00 PM-9:07 PM Location: Grass Lake High School Room #: 114 Office hours: 5 mins. Before or after class; or by appt. only Email: [email protected] (for student communication) or Wimba website Texts: *THINK Sociology, 2/E, John D. Carl ISBN-10: 020577718X ISBN-13: 9780205777181 *Exercises in Sociology: A Lab Manual for the Study of Social Behavior, 1/E, McGeever & Faupel ISBN-10: 0131946617 ISBN-13: 9780131946613 Course Description: Sociology of dominant-minority relations in contemporary American society. Attention to specific ethnic, religious, and racial minorities in terms of prejudice and discrimination. This course will introduce the historical study of intergroup relations and cultural differentiation. This course will also provide an understanding of how intergroup relations continually change, the entry on new groups of immigrants or refugees and rising social conflicts between native-born racial or ethnic groups within the U.S. Minority groups in America will focus on the intricate connections between recurring patterns that are influenced by economic, political, psychological, and sociological factors. Course Goals (*special note to student): Students wishing to experience success within this course should expect to participate in all class discussions and attend class regularly in order to maintain consistency in the learning process (exceptions for health reasons, emergencies and/or weather conditions). Reviewing/organizing all handout materials in terms of making these your resource materials for study purposes is strongly advised. Since this course meets only once a week, it is the responsibility of the student to keep track of all assignments and deadlines (see your Jetnet calendar). This is a typical 16 week course; as a result our calendar will encompass all full course load.Syllabus - Principles of Sociology 231-04 (Winter 2011) INST. - C.STARR Pg. 2 Course Objectives: 1. Examine problems and issues related to life and the behavior sciences in general and sociology in particular, using appropriate critical thinking techniques. To learn to initiate and sustain a discussion of meaning of specific behavior patterns. Has a personal response to new scientific findings. (ADO 5, proficient) 2. Apply the scientific process and related techniques, as employed by science in general and the social sciences in particular. Expand vocabulary, learn to minimize bias, looks and weighs evidence, poses questions and conclusions.. (ADO 7, proficient) 3. Understand individual and group differences, and slow appreciation for the traditions and values of various groups in the United States. Business of the Day Each class session will be categorized numerically (ex. Session #1, Session #2, etc.) for the purpose of clarification of assignments, activities, and overall agenda items pertaining to each class meeting. Each class session will begin on time, opening with announcements and any information in regards to the course material. The announcements will include any current events, student information, and instructor information and/or any class activities to be announced for the day. This time is also allotted for covering daily agenda items, reviewing previous homework assignments, question and answer sessions, turn-in assignments and any other business that needs discussion. I. In-Class Sessions - (Daily Agenda) Attendance: Student attendance is expected at each class (except, of course for health reasons and other emergencies). Attendance will be taken daily at the beginning and end of each class session based on a “call out” roster. At this time the instructor will call out each student’s name checking the attendance of each student based on that student’s response in class. Class sessions will begin on time, you will be considered „late‟ after 10 minutes which will reflect in points taken away from your daily attendance grade. For the purpose of clarification and identification, the *grading rubric will provide information pertaining to attendance and class discussion percentages later in the syllabus. It is advised that class attendance and participation is of utmost importance, “ in-class” discussions are a large part of the sociological experience for the student. Multiple-Choice (take home) Assignments/Vocabulary Test: Each quiz will consist of approximately 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions. The multiple-choice quizzes are based on chapter material and PowerPoint lecture which will be reviewed during each class session. The MCQ homework assignments are your take home homework. Assignments should be retained as a study guide resource for exams and cumulative quizzes. This is an open book assignment at which time you will be expected to complete during each week and will be turned in at the beginning of the following week‟s session. Allotted time will be provided for the completion of additional assignments. Vocabulary TestsSyllabus - Principles of Sociology 231-04 (Winter 2011) INST. - C.STARR Pg. 3 Vocabulary tests will be given at the first part of each class session based on the definition lists provided as handouts the previous week. The grading rubric for each vocabulary test is included in the grading section of your syllabus. PowerPoint Lectures: All PowerPoint lectures will cover each chapter using a slide presentation. It is advised at this time for students to take notes and write down any thoughts, questions and any ideas pertaining to topics covered during the lecture. These questions and ideas will be addressed during the lecture presentation at allotted intervals. All material covered during the lecture will be included on quizzes, tests and the final exam. Weekly Chapter Discussion Assignments (Homework): Weekly chapter discussion assignments will follow along with your chapter reading. I suggest having them next to you and filling them out as you read. Another option is to use them as a way to test yourself after reading. Please turn in your assignments in typed fashion. Assignments should be typed using 12 pt. font, double spaced, Times New Roman typeface. Assignments handwritten or